Supply Chain Engineer

Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA

8h•$109,148 - $179,314•Onsite

About The Position

As a Supply Chain Engineer, you'll be instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of engineering and manufacturing capabilities with our supplier network. You'll collaborate closely with supply chain, engineering, and production teams to ensure that our suppliers can meet our rigorous standards and deliver components that align with our design specifications. This role will involve both hands-on evaluation of supplier processes and strategic initiatives to enhance supplier performance. You'll be responsible for assessing manufacturing capabilities, interpreting engineering drawings, and driving improvements that support our mission as we continue to innovate and expand. This is a full-time onsite role based in our El Segundo headquarters.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related degree (mechanical, aerospace, electrical, etc.)
3-6+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering, preferably in the aerospace, automotive, or high-performance engineering industries
Deep working knowledge of fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation OR Demonstrated fluency with machined parts, sheet metal, mechanisms, and structural hardware supplier experience (structures and payload mechanisms
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with keen attention to detail
Knowledge of quality tools such as FMEA, DMAIC, 8D, etc.
Understanding of engineering models and drawings
Ability to travel 25-50% of the time

Nice To Haves

Expert level knowledge in one or more commodities within the team's scope (propulsion systems, PCB/PCBA manufacturing, mechanical machining)
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, and enthusiasm for Varda’s spirit of innovation and drive for improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
Proven ability to evaluate supplier capabilities, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement of supplier quality control processes
Proficiency in quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001, and familiarity with other relevant quality standards and regulations
Familiarity with space system components and materials, including mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, and their associated quality requirements
Thorough understanding of GD&T (ANSI Y14.5-2009 or 2018)

Responsibilities

Own supplier quality – create framework for Varda’s supplier quality programs
Supplier-facing work specifically on propulsion systems (fluid system hardware: pressurized components, tubing, fittings, seals, valves, and instrumentation) OR mechanical focused with (machined parts, sheet metal, mechanisms, and structural hardware) supplier experience
Collaborate with engineering teams on new product introduction and R&D projects, providing Designed for Manufacturability (DFM) input and supplier selection throughout the development lifecycle
Work closely with the supply chain team to evaluate potential suppliers, conduct supplier audits, and assess their capabilities, and quality control processes
Define and implement robust quality requirements for suppliers, including specifications, inspection and acceptance criteria, in collaboration with engineering and operations teams
Build relationships with suppliers to drive continuous improvement of quality control processes
Investigate and resolve supplier quality issues through root cause analysis and corrective actions
Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and qualification activities to ensure supplier quality considerations are addressed during the product development lifecycle
Stay updated with industry trends, standards, and regulations related to supplier quality and manufacturing in the aerospace sector

Benefits

Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
Complimentary EV charging